Religion

Rev. Andrew Halladay, the vicar at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Langley, sits in an empty pew on Tuesday, Jan. 5. His church had to move online because of COVID-19 limits on public gatherings. Halladay is one of 38 church leaders in B.C. to sign a joint letter of support for provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

Group of 38 B.C. church leaders ‘fully support’ Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix

Joint letter of support says they are ‘deeply disappointed’ by critical comments from some churches

 

Several Fraser Valley churches, including this one in Chilliwack, have continued to hold in-person services despite public health orders. Abbotsford Police Chief Mike Serr says the province should use special constables, instead of police officers, to enforce health orders at such locations, when possible. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

‘It’s tearing us apart’: Abbotsford police chief says other agencies should enforce health orders at churches

Police chief says special constables a better alternative to heavily armed police

 

A woman prays on the steps outside St. Casimir Church in Toronto on Friday, May 1, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Where is God? The COVID-19 pandemic has been a test of faith for believers

The landscape may change in the aftermath

 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

LETTER: Please, some respect for what you have taken

Abbotsford-raised pastor rails against ‘constant condescension’ of Dr. Henry

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver. (Google Maps)

B.C. archbishop says there was ‘no evidence’ given for ban on in-person religious services

Ban applies to all gatherings until at least Dec. 7

Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver. (Google Maps)
Reverend Patrick John (PJ) O’Maoil Mheana, ordained as Father Luke, has been named the new rector for the Church of the Holy Trinity in White Rock. (Contributed photo)

From chaos to love, White Rock’s newest priest to spread message of hope

Rev. Patrick John O’Maoil Mheana to start work at Church of the Holy Trinity Nov. 30

Reverend Patrick John (PJ) O’Maoil Mheana, ordained as Father Luke, has been named the new rector for the Church of the Holy Trinity in White Rock. (Contributed photo)
Jehovah’s Witnesses, which usually holds a large convention every year in Abbotsford, is now offering the program in a virtual format for 2020.

Large Jehovah’s Witnesses convention held in Abbotsford moves online

Three-day program is now being released in six segments

  • Jul 23, 2020
Jehovah’s Witnesses, which usually holds a large convention every year in Abbotsford, is now offering the program in a virtual format for 2020.
Human Rights Tribunal denies church’s request to toss out White Rock Pride Society’s complaint

Human Rights Tribunal denies church’s request to toss out White Rock Pride Society’s complaint

Star of the Sea and White Rock Pride Society to go to Human Rights Tribunal hearing

Human Rights Tribunal denies church’s request to toss out White Rock Pride Society’s complaint
Empty pews are pictured as assistant pastor Father Felix Min performs a Easter Sunday mass at St. Patrick’s in Vancouver Sunday, April 12, 2020. The Easter service was closed to the congregation and to the public to attend in person at they church but was live streamed to the internet. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Wage subsidy program to help fund faith as congregations face COVID-19 crunch

The $73-billion wage subsidy program is expected to give $2.5 billion to Canada’s charities

Empty pews are pictured as assistant pastor Father Felix Min performs a Easter Sunday mass at St. Patrick’s in Vancouver Sunday, April 12, 2020. The Easter service was closed to the congregation and to the public to attend in person at they church but was live streamed to the internet. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Livestreamed services could be coming from Langley church if coronavirus worsens

Livestreamed services could be coming from Langley church if coronavirus worsens

Christian Life Assembly is holding off on handshaking in favour of fistbumps and bows

Livestreamed services could be coming from Langley church if coronavirus worsens
SLIDESHOW: Abbotsford’s fourth annual Open Mosque Day

SLIDESHOW: Abbotsford’s fourth annual Open Mosque Day

Abbotsford Islamic Centre opens its doors to educate others

SLIDESHOW: Abbotsford’s fourth annual Open Mosque Day
Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford is the site of the World Religions Conference on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

More than 300 delegates expected for multi-faith conference in Abbotsford

Event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Columbia Bible College

  • Feb 8, 2020
Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford is the site of the World Religions Conference on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Reverend Andrea Brennan opens up about being a queer, female Anglican minister and how she came to be in the position at a pivotal time in the church’s history. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Openly queer, female priest of B.C. church defying norms

Andrea Brennan serves Fernie at pivotal time in church’s history

Reverend Andrea Brennan opens up about being a queer, female Anglican minister and how she came to be in the position at a pivotal time in the church’s history. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press